Provision of telecommunication services

ABSTRACT

An apparatus ( 100 ) suitable for providing telecommunication and data services in a telecommunications network to a plurality of subscribers, comprising a first distribution matrix ( 104 ), a crossover matrix ( 108 ) and a second distribution matrix ( 106 ). Said crossover matrix ( 108 ) is adapted to be connected to a main cable ( 130 ) and to a distribution cable ( 120 ). The apparatus further comprises a DSLAM unit ( 112 ) and crossover switching elements in said crossover matrix ( 108 ) and distribution switching elements in said distribution matrices ( 104, 106 ) are controlled from a remote location. The apparatus is adapted to add data services to a subscriber line by switching the subscriber line from the crossover matrix ( 108 ) to the first distribution matrix ( 104 ) and then via splitter ( 110 ) to the second distribution matrix ( 106 ) and back to the crossover matrix ( 108 ), wherein the splitter ( 110 ) is adapted to receive data signal from the DSLAM unit ( 112 ).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to an apparatus and a methodfor providing telecommunications and data services to users and inparticular to an apparatus and a method of switching-in new broadbandservices and switching-out obsolete services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Current telecommunications networks can supply a variety oftelecommunications services to customers such as Plain Old TelephoneServices (POTS), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSL) or Integrated ServicesDigital Network (ISDN) lines. These services are supplied via customersubscriber lines which are typically copper cables connected to acustomer Main Distribution Frame (MDF). The customer MDF is usuallylocated in a service box in the street cabinet near to the customer'spremises. A Multi-Service Access Node (MSAN) is connected to a providerMDF which is also located in the service box. To supply a particulartelecommunications service to a customer the service provider must makeconnections between the customer MDF and the provider MDF. However thedata rates of the broadband services strongly depends on the distancefrom the distribution box to the end subscriber. This means that inorder to provide broadband services at high bitrates telecom operatorsmust shorten the distance from the distribution box to subscribers.Obvious consequence of that is increase of the number of distributionboxes and equipment installed there, which also means that more fieldengineers is required to services these boxes. This is something thatthe telecom operators must keep under control and there is a need ofhaving installed in the distribution boxes cheap equipment (i.e. lowcapital expenditure—CAPEX) and equipment that is service free or almostservice free (low operational expenditure—OPEX). One of these emergingon the market broadband services is Very-High-Data-Rate DigitalSubscriber Line (VDSL) and its second generation VDSL2 technology.Very-High-Data-Rate Digital Subscriber Line (VDSL) is a broadbandtechnology providing much higher data rates than other xDSL technologiesover relatively short distances (between 51 and 55 Mbps over distance upto 1200 m in length from the distribution box). VDSL 2 uses different toVDSL part of the spectrum and has speed up to 100 Mbps at a range of3500 m. With such good characteristics the VDSL (and VDSL 2) servicescan be really successful on the market providing that the cost ofequipment, cost of its installation and maintenance is low.

Hence, an improved apparatus and method of switching-in new connectionsand switching-out obsolete connections would be advantageous and inparticular one that allows for performing the operations without, orwith significantly reduced, the need for service engineer making theconnections in the service box deployed in the field.

Accordingly, the invention seeks to preferably mitigate, alleviate oreliminate one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above singly or inany combination.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, as defined inclaim 1, there is provided an apparatus suitable for providingtelecommunication and data services in a telecommunications network to aplurality of subscribers. The apparatus comprises a first distributionmatrix connected to a crossover matrix and a second distribution matrixconnected to said crossover matrix. Said crossover matrix comprises aplurality of 2×2 crossover switching elements and is adapted to beconnected to a main cable and to a distribution cable. The apparatusfurther comprises a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer.Crossover switching elements in said crossover matrix and distributionswitching elements in said distribution matrices are controlled from aremote location. The apparatus is adapted to add data services to asubscriber line by switching the subscriber line from the crossovermatrix to the first distribution matrix and from the first distributionmatrix via means for combining and/or separating low frequency voicesignal and high frequency data signal to the second distribution matrixand back to the crossover matrix, wherein the means for combining and/orseparating is adapted to receive the high frequency data signal from theDigital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, as defined inclaim 15, there is provided a telecommunications network including abroadband network for providing at least one data service and anapparatus suitable for providing telecommunication and data services toa plurality of subscribers. The apparatus comprises a first distributionmatrix connected to a crossover matrix and a second distribution matrixconnected to said crossover matrix. The crossover matrix comprises aplurality of 2×2 crossover switching elements and is adapted to beconnected to a main cable and to a distribution cable. The apparatusfurther comprises a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer.Crossover switching elements in said crossover matrix and distributionswitching elements in said distribution matrices are controlled from aremote location. The apparatus is adapted to add data services to asubscriber line by switching the subscriber line from the crossovermatrix to the first distribution matrix and from the first distributionmatrix via means for combining and/or separating low frequency voicesignal and high frequency data signal to the second distribution matrixand back to the crossover matrix, wherein the means for combining and/orseparating is adapted to receive the high frequency data signal from theDigital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, as defined inclaim 30, there is provided a method of operating a telecommunicationsnetwork in which a broadband network provides at least one data service.In the network, a plurality of subscriber lines are connected to saidnetwork through a crossover matrix comprises a plurality of 2×2crossover switching elements and on request to add a data service to asubscriber line a crossover switching element of the crossover matrix,the crossover switching element being associated with said subscriberline, switches electrically the subscriber line on a subscriber cableside of the crossover matrix to a second distribution matrix. On a maincable side of the crossover matrix said crossover switching elementassociated with said subscriber line switches said subscriber line to afirst distribution matrix. The distribution matrices switch thesubscriber line to their ports connected to means for combining and/orseparating low frequency voice signal and high frequency data signal andsaid means for combining and/or separating combines the low frequencyvoice signal with high frequency data signal received from DigitalSubscriber Line Access Multiplexer. The crossover switching elements inthe crossover matrix and distribution switching elements in thedistribution matrices receive control signals from a remote location.

Further features of the present inventions are as claimed in thedependent claims.

The present invention beneficially allows for building a switchingapparatus for use in street cabinets, which require significantlysmaller number of basic switching elements. Additional benefit is thatthe invention can be easily installed in the network and theinstallation process is limited to cutting the existing cable andconnecting the two ends to connectors of the apparatus according to thepresent invention and additionally connecting the cable providing thebroadband services and a power supply cable. The apparatus does notrequire servicing and can be enclosed in a sealed box, which has theadvantage that it can be placed even in a harsh environment even withoutusing a street cabinet. The present invention is a scalable solution andallows for easy increase of availability of high data rate broadbandservices that follows subscribers' demand. Additional benefit is thatthe present solution allows avoiding building new street cabinets. Costof these new cabinets may be high due to the fact that they must complywith environmental conditions of active equipment and that larger,noisier cabinets may not be allowed. Obviously it is worth to note thatthe cost of installation for cabinet-based installations is higher thanthat of non-cabinet installations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for providingtelecommunication and data services in a telecommunications network inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating arrangement of crossover switchingelements in a crossover matrix in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating arrangement of distribution switchingelements in a distribution matrix in accordance with one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a 2×2 switching element usedin devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a 2×1 switching element usedin devices in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 a-c are diagrams illustrating arrangement and operation of relayelements in an X-Y matrix in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating alternative arrangement of distributionswitching elements in a distribution matrix in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The term “main cable” also referred to as “central office cable” hereinbelow refers to a cable that connects the apparatus to the centraloffice (cable on the network side).

The term “distribution cable” also referred to as “subscriber cable”herein below refers to a cable that provides connections to subscriberdevices (cable on the subscriber side comprising plurality of subscriberlines).

For the sake of clarity the drawings present the invention in a veryschematic way with elements and lines not essential for understandingthe invention omitted.

With reference to FIG. 1 an apparatus for providing telecommunicationsand data services in a telecommunications network to a plurality ofsubscribers is presented.

The apparatus 100 comprises a first distribution matrix 104 connected toa crossover matrix 108 and a second distribution matrix 106 connected tosaid crossover matrix 108. The crossover matrix 108 is connected on itsone side to a main cable 130 and on the opposite side to a distributioncable 120. Switching elements (i.e. crossover switching elements 202 anddistribution switching elements 302 and 304) for switching ofconnections within said crossover matrix 108 and distribution matrices104, 106 are controlled from a remote location. These switching elementsare responsible for establishing an electrical connection through thecrossover matrix 108 and the distribution matrices 104, 106. Theapparatus 100 further comprises a splitter 110 and a Digital SubscriberLine Access Multiplexer 112. The first distribution matrix 104 and thesecond distribution matrix 106 are connected to the splitter 110. Thesplitter 110 is a passive component that separates/combines lowfrequency (POTS or ISDN) and high frequency (data) parts of the signal.The splitter 110 is also connected to the Digital Subscriber Line AccessMultiplexer (DSLAM) 112, which, in turn is connected to the data part ofthe network. However, it is within contemplation of the presentinvention that DSLAM 112 can be connected to a node providing only dataservices.

The DSLAM unit 112 and the broadband network in one embodiment can beconnected, 140, via a fibre optic line or in alternative embodimentusing wireline connection and gigabit Ethernet link. The DSLAM unit 112receives via the link 140 data services and provides said data servicesfurther to the end subscribers. In one embodiment the data servicesprovided by DSLAM unit are compliant with Very-High-Data-Rate DigitalSubscriber Line (VDSL) technology, which allows for data rates up to 55Mbps over a distance up to 1200 m from the DSLAM unit 112. Alternativelyor additionally the data services provided by DSLAM unit are compliantwith Very-High-Data-Rate Digital Subscriber Line 2 (VDSL2) technology,which allows for data rates up to 100 Mbps over a distance up to 3500 mfrom the DSLAM unit 112. In yet another alternative embodiment the DSLAMunit 112 can provide data services in other xDSL technologies, or anyother high bitrate service that has limited reach of signal and requiresactive equipment in locations outside of the central office.

With reference to FIG. 2 the crossover matrix 108 is presented. Thecrossover matrix 108 comprises a plurality of 2×2 crossover switchingelements 202. The 2×2 notation relates to 4 ports of the crossoverswitching element. The crossover switching element is presented in FIG.4 and it consists of four ports (A-D) and two relays 402 and 404. Theswitches allow for connection of port A to port B and connection of portC to port D (this is so called passthrough connection—relays 402 and 404in positions 1 a and 2 a respectively). Alternatively the switches allowfor connecting port A to port D and connecting port B to port C (this isso called crossover connection—relays 402 and 404 in positions 1 b and 2b respectively). Because the relays 402 and 404 in the crossoverswitching element are operated independently there is yet anotheralternative configuration in which port A is connected to ports C and Dand port B is isolated (relays 402 and 404 in positions 1 b and 2 arespectively). In configuration when relays 402 and 404 are in positions1 a and 2 b ports C, A and B are connected and port D is isolated.

Because one line consists of two twisted copper wires said one linerequires two switching elements to correctly switch the line betweenports, but for the sake of clarity only one switching element per lineis presented in the figures. Similarly, in the description of operationof crossover and distribution matrices and other element of theapparatus 100 reference to only one switching element per line is made,but it is clear that the same relates to the second wire in the twistedcopper pair and is omitted in the description for the clarity reasonmentioned above.

In the example shown in FIG. 2 there are 64 separate crossover switchingelements that serve 64 subscriber lines. The function of the crossoverswitching element 202 is to connect the subscriber connected to port Adirectly to port B to which the main cable 130 is connected or toconnect said subscriber line connected to port A to port D, which inturn is connected to the second distribution matrix 106 and at the sametime to connect the main cable connected to port B to port C, which inturn is connected to the first distribution matrix 104. Although theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 presents 64 2×2 crossover switchingelements 202 it is clear that similar arrangement with, for example, 100elements 202 is possible as it is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1.The numbers next to lines connecting components in FIG. 1 are thenumbers of twisted copper pairs connected to ports of the components inone embodiment of the present invention.

With reference to FIG. 3 one implementation of a distribution matrix 104and 106 is shown. In the illustrated example the distribution matrix has100 ports in a first bank, 310, of the 2×2 distribution switchingelements 302 and 24 ports the fifth bank, 350, of the 2×1 distributionswitching elements 302. Switching within the matrix 104 is carried outby a plurality of 2×2 and 2×1 distribution switching elements 302 and304 arranged in banks 310-350 and interconnected as illustrated, ingreat simplification, in FIG. 3, wherein FIG. 3 provides enoughinformation for one skilled in the art to implement the distributionmatrix in practice. The distribution matrices 104 and 106 are arrangedin the apparatus 100 in a way that all 24 ports on one side of thedistribution matrix 104, 106 are connected to the splitter 110 and all100 ports on the opposite side of the distribution matrix 104, 106 areconnected to the crossover matrix 108. It is, however withincontemplation of the present invention that alternative arrangements ofthe distribution matrices 104 and 106, e.g. with different ratio ofports available on both sides of the matrices are also possible. One ofsuch possible arrangements of the distribution matrices 104 and 106 isillustrated in FIG. 7.

The 2×2 distribution switching elements 302 are substantially the sameknown type as the crossover switching element 202 with the differencethat the distribution switching element 302 used in the distributionmatrices 104 and 106 has its relays 402 and 404 operated together, whichmeans that it can only establish passthrough and crossover connections,the other, less important, difference is that in crossover switchingelements ports C and D are in upright position and in distributionswitching element ports C and D are parallel to ports A and B.

The 2×1 distribution switch, as illustrated in FIG. 5, is very simplehaving relay 502 for connecting port G either to port E or to port F.

In a preferred embodiment the arrangement of the distribution switchingelements 302 (2×2) and 304 (2×1) shown in FIG. 3 allows switching ofline connected to any one of 100 inputs to any one of the 24 outputs.That means that as long as there is unused output port on thedistribution matrix any of the subscriber lines, not being yet connectedto an output port, can be connected to this unused port of thedistribution matrix. In operation, it means that as long as there isunused port on the DSLAM side of the distribution matrix any of thesubscriber lines, not having data services, can be connected to thisunused port and the data services can be provided.

For the sake of clarity the side of the distribution matrix with 100ports is called input side (input ports) and the side with 24 ports iscalled output side (output ports).

In alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the arrangement of the2×2 distribution switching elements 302 allows switching of lineconnected to any one input to the following number of outputs (numbersgiven below are valid for unconfigured distribution matrix):

-   -   each of the 64 inputs can reach 24 outputs,    -   the first 16 outputs (outputs 1-16) can be reached by all 64        inputs,    -   the second 16 outputs (outputs 17-32) can be reached by 16        different inputs    -   the remaining 32 outputs (outputs 33-64) can be reached by 8        different inputs.

In consequence of this arrangement, when 24-port DSLAM is used the 24output ports of the distribution matrix that can be reached by any oneof the 64 input ports are connected via the splitter 110 to the DSLAM112 and the remaining 40 output ports are not used. That means that aslong as at least one of the 24 output ports on the distribution matrixconnected to the DSLAM 112 (via the splitter 110) is unused any of thesubscriber lines, not being yet connected to the DSLAM 112, can beconnected to this unused port of the distribution matrix and inconsequence have data services provided. Of course this is not veryefficient use of the distribution matrix and its efficiency can beimproved by using a DSLAM having more than 24 input ports and connectingto those additional (i.e. ports 25^(th) and higher the easier reachableoutput ports of the distribution matrix illustrated in FIG. 7.

If the apparatus 100 is considered as a blackbox a line connected to aport on one cable side (i.e. connected to one side of the crossovermatrix) can reach one specific port on the opposite cable side or one of24 ports in the distribution matrix 104, 106 connected to the splitter110 (if the distribution matrices 104, 106 are arranged as in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 3).

In operation, an existing subscriber line already providing voiceservices (PSTN or ISDN) to the subscriber traverse the apparatus 100 viathe crossover matrix 108. In this situation the crossover switchingelement 202 associated with the subscriber line is in passthroughposition (port A is connected to port B and port C is connected to portD, i.e. relays 402 and 404 in positions 1 a and 2 a respectively) andthe distribution matrices 104 and 106 are not involved in providing suchPSTN or ISDN connection. If the subscriber wants to have broadband dataservices added the telecom operator from a remote location sends controlsignals to the crossover, 108, and distribution 104, 106 matrices. Thecrossover switching element 202 associated with said subscriber lineswitches its relays to positions 1 b and 2 b (i.e. connecting port A toport D and port B to port C—crossover position). In the crossoverposition an electric connection is established between the crossoverswitching element associated with the subscriber line and one port ofthe first distribution matrix 104 and between said crossover switchingelement and one port of the second distribution matrix 106. If there isa port available on the opposite side of the distribution matrix 104,106 an electric connection to this available port is establishedrespectively in each of the two distribution matrices 104, 106. Theconnections through the distribution matrices 104 and 106 are madesymmetrically, which means that if there is connection in the firstdistribution matrix 104 there is a corresponding connection in thesecond distribution matrix 106. This means that if there is portavailable in the first distribution matrix 104, there is also portavailable in the second distribution matrix 106.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 there are 24 ports connected tothe splitter 110. Once the subscriber line is connected to the splitter110 the circuit is closed—the same line was connected on both sides ofthe splitter, via the first and second distribution matrices. Thefunction of the splitter 110 is to combine the high frequency broadbanddata signal provided by the DSLAM unit 112 in the downstream directionwith the low frequency voice signal already present in the subscriberline and to split the data signal from the voice signal in the upstreamdirection.

The reason for 24 ports on the splitter side of the distributionmatrices 104 and 106 is that typically a DSLAM aggregation unit(aggregation card) has 24 ports. However, it is possible to have DSLAMunit 112 installed in the apparatus 100 with different number of ports.

The subscriber line after traversing the splitter carries combinednarrowband and low frequency voice signal for telephony and broadbandand high frequency data signal for Internet, digital cable TV or otherservices.

In one embodiment the apparatus 100 is enclosed in a sealed, waterproofbox comprising sealed connection cable stubs. As the apparatus 100 iscontrolled from remote location and does not require servicing it can beeasily installed in the network. The only operations required for itsinstallation are cutting the cables and connecting the signal cables onboth sides of the apparatus, connecting the fiber optic cable or anotherdata cable to the DSLAM port stubs, power supply and control signalcables. When sealed in a box the apparatus 100 can be deployed even in aharsh environment, which is a great advantage of the present solution asthe device can be, for example, installed in the ground under the streetcabinet and thus save the very important space within the very crampedstreet cabinet or avoiding the street cabinet at all.

In one embodiment 24 subscribers connected to the apparatus 100 can havethe data services added to their voice signal. If the number ofsubscribers having data services reaches 24 and there is no room forfurther expansion a second apparatus 100 can be connected in series withthe first one allowing for 24 more subscribers to have the broadbanddata services added. In this arrangement the 24 subscriber lines withdata signal added in the first apparatus go straight through thecrossover switching elements of the crossover matrix in the secondapparatus.

In one embodiment said crossover matrix 108 is adapted to switch allsubscriber lines directly to the main cable. This is achieved in apassthrough connection (i.e. the relays 402 and 404 are in positions 1 aand 2 a respectively) of all crossover switching elements 202 in saidcrossover matrix 108. In this configuration no broadband service isprovided to the subscriber.

The apparatus 100 is adapted to disconnect the broadband service from aparticular subscriber line by switching directly said subscriber line tothe main cable via said crossover matrix. In this situation the releasedports in the distribution matrices 104 and 106 can be reused.

In situations when power supply to the apparatus 100 is disrupted thesubscribers don't get broadband service, but still have telephony fromthe central office. It is, however, envisaged that a backup power supplycan be provided or that an alternative (back up) broadband service of(probably) lower bitrate can be provided from the central office.

With reference to FIG. 6 a-c it is shown how the relays of the switchingelements 202, 302, 304 are controlled. The control of said relays isoptimised in a way that it is not necessary to control n relaysindependently by n drivers but in the worst case only by 2-times squareroot of n. In effect e.g. 100 relays don't need 100 controllers but, inthe worst case, 2×10=20 drivers. It is the number of relay elements(independent whether they 2×1 or 2×2) and the number of states they canhave that determine the number of drivers required to control them. Ifall n 2×2 elements have only 2 states and if they are organized in onesingle control matrix acc. to FIG. 6 then it is necessary to have onlysqrt(n) drivers. If a 2×2 element needs to have 3-4 states then it isnecessary to drive the relays independently, which means thecontribution to n is doubled. A 2×1 element can always have only twostates. The fact that not all relays can be toggled together is not aproblem because switching all relays at the same time could destroy thedevice due to very high power consumption. In consequence it wouldrequire power supply resources, which would be most of the time unused.The shown diodes 606, 608 and the coil 610 (for simplicity additionalcomponents have been left out) represent a logical gate (NOR function)in a way that there is only current through the coil 610 if both diodes606, 608 have low potential. Operation and implementation in practice ofthe arrangement of FIG. 6 a-c is clear for one skilled in the art.

The functionality defined in the present invention may be implemented ina plurality of units or as part of other functional units. Inconsequence, the invention may be physically and functionallydistributed between different units. Furthermore, although individuallylisted, a plurality of means, elements or method steps may beimplemented by e.g. a single unit. Singular references do not exclude aplurality. Thus references to “a”, “an”, “first”, “second” etc do notpreclude a plurality.

1. An apparatus for providing telecommunication and data services in atelecommunications network to a plurality of subscribers, the apparatuscomprising: a crossover matrix comprising a plurality of crossoverswitching elements, and configured to be connected to a main cable andto a distribution cable; a first distribution matrix connected to thecrossover matrix; a second distribution matrix connected to thecrossover matrix; a Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM);wherein the plurality of crossover switching elements in the crossovermatrix and a plurality of distribution switching elements in the firstand second distribution matrices are configured to be controlledremotely; and a splitter to combine or separate a low frequency voicesignal and a high frequency data signal, and configured to: add dataservices to a subscriber line by switching the subscriber line from thecrossover matrix to the first distribution matrix, and from the firstdistribution matrix to the second distribution matrix via the splitter,and from the second distribution matrix back to the crossover matrix;and receive the high frequency data signal from the DSLAM.
 2. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the DSLAM is connected to a broadbandnetwork via fibre optic link.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein theDSLAM is connected to a broadband network via gigabit Ethernet link. 4.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the DSLAM is configured to provide ahigh bitrate data service to the subscriber.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4wherein the high bitrate service is compliant with at least one of aVery-High-Data-Rate Digital Subscriber Line technology, and aVery-High-Data-Rate Digital Subscriber Line 2 technology.
 6. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein each of the first and second distributionmatrices comprises a plurality of ports that connect to the splitter andthe crossover matrix, and wherein a number of ports in each of the firstand second distribution matrices that are available to connect to thesplitter is less than a number of ports in each of the distributionmatrices that are available to connect to the crossover matrix.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6 wherein each port in the distribution matrix thatis connected to the crossover matrix can be connected to any one of theports of the distribution matrix that is connected to the splitter. 8.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the crossover matrix is configured toconnect the subscriber line directly between the main cable and thesubscriber cable, or to connect the subscriber line to one of the firstand second distribution matrices.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 whereinthe crossover matrix comprises a plurality of 2×2 crossover switchingelements.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the crossover switchingelements comprise relays, and wherein the relays in a 2×2 crossoverswitching element associated with one subscriber line are controlledindependently.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first and seconddistribution matrices comprise a plurality of 2×2 distribution switchingelements and a plurality of 2×1 distribution switching elements, whichare configured to connect the subscriber line being switched from thecrossover matrix to the splitter, and from the splitter to the crossovermatrix.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the 2×2 distributionswitching elements comprise relays that are configured to be controlledtogether.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is enclosedin a waterproof container comprising sealed connection cable stubs. 14.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the crossover matrix is configured toswitch all subscriber lines directly to the main cable.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus is configured to disconnectthe high-frequency data signal from a given subscriber line by switchingthe subscriber line directly to the main cable via the crossover matrix.16. A telecommunications network comprising: a broadband communicationsnetwork to provide at least one data service; and an apparatus toprovide telecommunication and data services to a plurality ofsubscribers, the apparatus comprising: a crossover matrix comprising aplurality of crossover switching elements, and configured to beconnected to a main cable and to a distribution cable; a firstdistribution matrix connected to the crossover matrix; a seconddistribution matrix connected to the crossover matrix; a DigitalSubscriber Line Access Multiplexer (DSLAM); wherein the plurality ofcrossover switching elements in the crossover matrix and a plurality ofdistribution switching elements in the first and second distributionmatrices are configured to be controlled remotely; and a splitter tocombine or separate a low frequency voice signal and a high frequencydata signal, and configured to: add data services to a subscriber lineby switching the subscriber line from the crossover matrix to the firstdistribution matrix, and from the first distribution matrix to thesecond distribution matrix via the splitter, and from the seconddistribution matrix back to the crossover matrix; and receive the highfrequency data signal from the DSLAM.
 17. The telecommunications networkof claim 16 wherein the DSLAM is connected to a broadband network viafibre optic link.
 18. The telecommunications network of claim 16 whereinthe DSLAM is connected to a broadband network via gigabit Ethernet link.19. The telecommunications network of claim 16 wherein the DSLAM isconfigured to provide a high bitrate data service to subscribers. 20.The telecommunications network of claim 16 wherein the high bitrateservice is compliant with one of a Very-High-Data-Rate DigitalSubscriber Line technology, and a Very-High-Data-Rate Digital SubscriberLine 2 technology.
 21. The telecommunications network of claim 16wherein each of the first and second distribution matrices comprises aplurality of ports that connect to the splitter and the crossovermatrix, and wherein a number of ports in each of the first and seconddistribution matrices that are available to connect to the splitter isless than a number of ports in each of the distribution matrices thatare available to connect to the crossover matrix.
 22. Thetelecommunications network of claim 16 wherein each port in thedistribution matrix that is connected to the crossover matrix can beconnected to any one of the ports of the distribution matrix that isconnected to the splitter.
 23. The telecommunications network of claim16 wherein the crossover matrix is configured to connect the subscriberline directly between the main cable and the subscriber cable, or toconnect the subscriber line to one of the first and second distributionmatrices.
 24. The telecommunications network of claim 23 wherein thecrossover matrix comprises a plurality of 2×2 crossover switchingelements.
 25. The telecommunications network of claim 24 wherein thecrossover switching elements comprise relays, and wherein the relays ina 2×2 crossover switching element associated with one subscriber lineare controlled independently.
 26. The telecommunications network ofclaim 16 wherein the first and second distribution matrices comprise aplurality of 2×2 distribution switching elements, which are configuredto connect the subscriber line being switched from the crossover matrixto the splitter, and from the splitter to the crossover matrix.
 27. Thetelecommunications network of claim 26 wherein the first and seconddistribution matrices further comprise a plurality of 2×1 distributionswitching elements.
 28. The telecommunications network of claim 26wherein the 2×2 distribution switching elements comprise relays that areconfigured to be controlled together.
 29. The telecommunications networkof claim 16 wherein the apparatus is enclosed in a waterproof containercomprising sealed connection cable stubs.
 30. The telecommunicationsnetwork of claim 16 wherein the apparatus comprises a first apparatus,and further comprising at least a second apparatus configured to providetelecommunication and data services to the subscribers, the secondapparatus being connected in series to the first apparatus.
 31. Thetelecommunications network of claim 16 wherein the crossover matrix ofthe apparatus is configured to switch all subscriber lines directly tothe main cable.
 32. The telecommunications network of claim 16 whereinthe apparatus is configured to disconnect the high-frequency data signalfrom a given subscriber line by switching the subscriber line directlyto the main cable via the crossover matrix.
 33. A method of operating atelecommunications network in which a broadband network provides atleast one data service, and wherein a plurality of subscriber lines areconnected to the broadband network through a crossover matrix includinga plurality of 2×2 crossover switching elements that, responsive to arequest, adds a data service to the subscriber line, the methodcomprising: controlling a crossover switching element associated with asubscriber line to electrically switch the subscriber line on asubscriber cable side of the crossover matrix to a second distributionmatrix, and a main cable side of the crossover matrix to a firstdistribution matrix; controlling the first and second distributionmatrices to switch the subscriber line to respective ports that areconnected to a splitter that receives a low frequency voice signal and ahigh frequency data signal; combining the low frequency voice signalwith the high frequency data signal received from DSLAM, receivingcontrol signals from a remote location at the crossover switchingelements of the crossover matrix, and at the distribution switchingelements of the first and second distribution matrices.
 34. The methodof claim 33 further comprising the DSSLAM providing a high bitrate dataservice to the subscribers.
 35. The method of claim 34 wherein the highbitrate data services provided are compliant with a Very-High-Data-RateDigital Subscriber Line technology, or a Very-High-Data-Rate DigitalSubscriber Line 2 technology.